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When did you realize you were really in labor?
We were induced with cervidril and around 5:50AM my water broke. After that the contractions were so strong and I knew we were in full active labor!
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
The most challenging thing about going natural was that I was having such intense contractions and initially I was told I was only 2cm dilated. I couldn't believe I was only at a 2 when the contractions were coming so steadily. I was checked an hour later and was dilated to 8cm!!! It explained the extreme contractions. Also, the nurse was really pushy about starting pitocin, which I continually refused while trying to focus on breathing through contractions.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing was reading your mama natural blog, supernatural child birth and Ina May's guide. I also downloaded a Christian playlist which was so helpful.
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What surprised you about your birth?
It surprised me was that once my water broke, my son was born about 3 hours later. No one could believe that this was our first baby and that he came so quickly, but it was exactly what we prayed for!
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The contractions wont get worse! They get closer together but you can do it. Keep telling yourself that every contraction brings you closer to holding your baby!
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
We had to stay hooked up to the monitors because his heart kept decelerating, but sitting on the birthing ball was a life saver! Also listening to our playlist and my doula used a lot of resistance to help relieve pain.
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I delivered his on my back in the normal hospital position.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
It was amazing. We went through 4 years of infertility and 3 miscarriages to get to hold our rainbow baby. Our second round of IVF and lots and lots of prayers brought this miracle into his mommas arms. It was everything!
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
The contractions wont get worse! They get closer together but you can do it. Keep telling yourself that every contraction brings you closer to holding your baby!
